physiognomy Definition
- 1a person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin
- 2the art of judging human character from facial features
Using physiognomy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "physiognomy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Her physiognomy was stern and unapproachable.
Example
The study of physiognomy has a long history in many cultures.
Example
He was skilled at reading people's physiognomy and could often tell their personality traits just by looking at them.
physiognomy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for physiognomy
- countenance
- face
- appearance
- look
- facial features
Phrases with physiognomy
judging by someone's physiognomy
making assumptions about someone's character based on their facial features or expression
Example
You can't judge someone's abilities just by their physiognomy.
change one's physiognomy
to change one's facial expression or features, often to disguise one's true feelings or intentions
Example
He tried to change his physiognomy to avoid being recognized by the police.
the appearance or character of a place, often used to describe its atmosphere or mood
Example
The physiognomy of the abandoned factory was eerie and unsettling.
Origins of physiognomy
from Greek 'phusiognōmia', meaning 'the judging of a person's nature by his features'
Summary: physiognomy in Brief
The term 'physiognomy' [fɪzɪˈɒnəmi] refers to a person's facial features or expression, especially when indicative of character or ethnic origin. It is also the art of judging human character from facial features. Examples include 'Her physiognomy was stern and unapproachable,' and 'He was skilled at reading people's physiognomy.' Phrases like 'judging by someone's physiognomy' denote making assumptions based on facial features, while 'change one's physiognomy' refers to changing one's facial expression or features.
